1. On Writing by Stephen KingSkip the memoir section if you want, but the “tool-kit” (as Stephen King calls the nuts and bolts of the craft of writing) covers all aspects of writing. Great advice from the master-teller of our time who knows how to insert tension into every line and make every paragraph count. |
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2. The Writers Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, 3rd Edition by Christopher VoglerThe best book around about structuring a novel, from page one through scenes, turning points, climax, etc. This road map is indispensable for today’s novelist. Don’t get on the road without it. |
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3. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Rennie BrowneThere is no turning away from the fact that you must learn to edit yourself several times over before handing the manuscript over to a seasoned editor. Like learning the steps for a dance, practicing Browne’s rules will eventually make you a better writer the first time around. |
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4. Make Your Words Work: Proven Techniques for Effective Writing-For Fiction and Nonfiction Gary ProvostMore about editing yourself, but breaking it all down to the power of word selection and words’ placement within the sentence – or the reader’s ear. Tightens your prose so your writing will shine. |
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5. How to Write a Damn Good Novel, II: Advanced Techniques For Dramatic Storytelling by James N. FreyPowerful reminders about the many aspects of the craft of writing: dialogue, scene, setting, character, structure – and how they all work together. |
This list was first posted as a response to this conversation.
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Annie Lamott’s Bird by Bird is the most enjoyable book on writing I’ve ever read, and it works, too!
If you’re not writing a book, Mary Pipher’s Writing to Change the World shows how to make personal essays, letters-to-the-editor, blogs, even speeches more effective. (She wrote Reviving Ophelia.)
Nancy,
I was going to add this book! It is also about life, isn’t is?
I would also add books by Christina Baldwin:
Storycatcher: Making Sense of Our Lives through the Power and Practice of Story
I agee. Bird by Bird is fabulous – about writing and life.
Outstanding book. anne lamott is my favorite author.
Bird by Bird~ This is in my top 10 favorite books. Too bad she had to become a BA and blather about that afterwards. (sorry it that offends, but BA’s tend to offend those who arent)
Thank you for the information and I am going to go buy this one today…..I am writing and feel stuck so this came at the most opportune time for me.
Sounds inspirational.
Have a great day.
Another gem was written in 1938 and is still one of the best books on writing – Barbara Ueland’s If You Want to Write.
I have B by B and have read it. Had forgotten how great it is I’m going to read it again and begin writing again.
sounds really interesting i will have to look for that
Stephen King is a brilliant man and his book about writing is worth reading several times. I always enjoy Dorothea Brande’s book, too: Becoming a Writer. She wrote it in 1934 and it remains pertinent. John Gardner’s The Art of Fiction is peerless.
Aside from the reading about writing, though, I try to apply Hemingway’s advice to writers: apply butt to chair.